Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Spain

Birth

:

ca. 1500 in Peñaranda del Duero, Spain

Death

:

ca. 1557 in Marchena, Spain

Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Enríquez de Valderrábano was a Spanish composer and vihuelist who lived during the Renaissance period. He was born in the town of Valderrábano in the province of Burgos, Spain, in the early 16th century. Not much is known about his early life, but it is believed that he received his musical education in the court of King Philip II of Spain. Valderrábano was a skilled vihuelist, and he is best known for his compositions for this instrument. The vihuela was a popular instrument in Spain during the Renaissance, and it was similar to the guitar in many ways. However, it had a flat back and six strings, and it was played with a plectrum. Valderrábano's most famous work is his book of vihuela music, "Silva de Sirenas" (The Forest of Sirens), which was published in 1547. This book contains 154 pieces for the vihuela, including fantasias, pavanes, galliards, and other dance forms. The music in "Silva de Sirenas" is characterized by its intricate counterpoint and its use of chromaticism, which was a relatively new technique at the time. Valderrábano's music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was considered one of the leading vihuelists of his time. He was also a respected music teacher, and he wrote several treatises on music theory and performance. His most famous treatise is "Libro de Musica de Vihuela" (Book of Vihuela Music), which was published in 1546. This book contains detailed instructions on how to play the vihuela, as well as examples of Valderrábano's own compositions. Valderrábano's music was influenced by the Italian Renaissance composers of his time, particularly Francesco da Milano and Giovanni Maria da Crema. However, his music also had a distinctly Spanish flavor, with its use of dance rhythms and its incorporation of popular melodies. Valderrábano's music was popular not only in Spain but also in other parts of Europe. His works were published in Italy, France, and Germany, and they were played by vihuelists throughout Europe. Valderrábano's influence can be seen in the music of later Spanish composers, such as Alonso Mudarra and Luis de Narváez. Valderrábano's life and career are not well documented, and little is known about his later years. It is believed that he died in the mid-16th century, but the exact date and circumstances of his death are unknown. Despite the lack of information about his life, Valderrábano's music has endured and continues to be played and studied by vihuelists and classical guitarists today. His contributions to the development of the vihuela as a solo instrument and his innovative use of chromaticism in his compositions have earned him a place in the pantheon of Renaissance composers.

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